Da Nang to enforce new normal from early October
The administration of Da Nang, a coronavirus hotspot in central Vietnam, has initiated plans to ease COVID-19 restrictions and resume a range of socio-economic activities from October 1.
The decision made by local authorities is largely based on the basic control of the COVID-19 pandemic in the central city, said Ho Ky Minh, vice chairman of the municipal administration, during talks with local business executives on September 24.
The city had initially implemented strict social distancing rules from August 16 to September 16, helping to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases from 120 to five per day. As a result, a total of 39 out 56 wards and communes have recorded no community cases for 14 consecutive days.
The central city has therefore met six out of seven criteria for pandemic control issued by the Ministry of Health.
Local authorities plan to carry out some social and economic activities between October 1 and October 15 first for vaccinated people.
Schooling, public transport and delivery services are allowed to resume operation. Local firms are allowed to restart operations as long as they follow pandemic prevention and control measures, except spas, massage services, nightclubs, bars, and karaoke parlours.
Gatherings at religious and cultural events will be limited to 50 people, or 200 vaccinated people. Sightseeing spots will be allowed to receive no more than 30 visitors.
Da Nang will allow residents to hold weddings and funerals with 100 people at maximum, or 200 vaccinated people.
The local healthcare sector will be required to keep a close watch on the developments of the COVID-19 outbreak and make timely recommendations to the municipal administration.
